US Anheuser-Busch acquires Budweiser brand

Anheuser-Busch Inc., part of the AB InBev NV international brewing giant, took a crucial step in its fight with state-owned Czech brewery Budejovicky Budvar over the Budweiser brand when it acquired its local Czech rival.

According to the Czech registry of companies, Anheuser-Busch took control of Budejovicky Mestansky Pivovar or BMP in December. The move gives Anheuser-Busch the company's trademarks, including the contested Budweiser Beer brand.

Budvar and BMP are based in the town of Ceske Budejovice — also known as Budweis.

Budvar has been fighting for years with Anheuser-Busch in a number of countries over use of the famous Budweiser brand, to which both companies claim a historical right. Anheuser-Busch was taken over by InBev of Belgium in 2008 to create the world's largest brewer.

Budvar said Thursday the deal would not affect its business activities and trademarks.